DETROIT (AP) Jim Caldwell, an even-keeled, well-read coach, has helped the Detroit Lions bounce back within games this season and from a slow start this year to put the franchise in a rare position.

The Lions (8-4) have a two-game lead in the NFC North, giving them a good opportunity to win a division title for the first time since 1993. They hired a rookie general manager after last season's 7-9 finish, but Bob Quinn chose to keep Caldwell instead of hiring his own coach to begin a new era.